Re: Observations-2/27/00

["John Lyell" <johnlyell@hotmail.com>]

We really need a lot more than we think. We need a big backup point, A 2/3
perimeter scoring threat (some defense would not hurt) a 4/5 that can be a
rebounder & shot blocker, as well as some decent bench support. Walker is
really a 3 & 1/2 , hopefully he can learn to get a bit more physical and
pattern his game after a Karl Malone, or Shawn Kemp without the gut. Nice
mid range perimeter scoring with a great physical inside game. Thew problem
is he is not quick on his feet or any kind of defensive threat so with AW
and VP we don't really have the quick shot blocker. I think Pitino thought
Battie could be it, as he showed signs in college, but it just hasn't
materialized.

If we could get Kelvin Cato or a Kenyon Martin or Brendan Haywood,  I think
he would help.

Derek Anderson would fit the 2/3 requirements. I think Pitino hoped Cheaney
would.



----- Original Message -----
From: "Dan Forant" <dforant1@nycap.rr.com>
To: <celtics@igtc.com>
Sent: Sunday, February 27, 2000 8:31 AM
Subject: Re: Observations-2/27/00


> How can you ask for a power forward when we desperately need a Center and
> back up Point Guard.
>
> At 09:23 AM 2/27/00 EST, you wrote:
> >Observations:
> >1) Pierce has little side to side mobility/quickness. I wonder if he is
> still
> >hurting.
> >
> >2) Griffen is moving EXTREMELY slow. I assume he is still hurting. He has
> >also lost confidence in his jumper. People have also figured out to play
him
> >to his left.
> >
> >3) This team has a lot of nice pieces but they don't fit well together.
Just
> >about everyone is playing out of position. Vitaly would make a great
power
> >forward but he is the closest thing to a real center that we and most
teams
> >can hope for. So what we need is a Dale Davis type power forward who can
> >strengthen the middle, gobble up rebounds and block a few shots (same
> >recommendation as last summer). Pierce will be put his natural position
of
> >small forward. Walker, therefore, has to be traded. You have to make up
some
> >of his points so you need to upgrade the 2 spot. Derek Anderson would fit
> >perfectly. He could also back up the point guard spot and solve that long
> >term spot. Anderson stays as the steady starting point guard. Griffen is
a
> >capable relief at the 2 and 3. Walter plays a little in the press and
when
> we
> >need someone to run around and wave his arms. Cheaney, Barros and
Williams
> >sit on the bench, hopefully forever. Fortson and Battie back up Davis and
> VP.
> >Our no. 1 pick can go with Walker to upgrade the four.
> >
> >4) This team never fast breaks, which is unbelieveable. To be a finesse
> team,
> >with a small power forward in Walker who can dribble better than any
power
> >forward, and you can't fast break, it is unbelieveable. You have to blame
> >this on Pitino. I don't think he understands the fast break. It is either
> >that or this team just doesn't hustle. Either of the two you have to
blame
> on
> >Pitino because this is a mentality thing, a gameplan thing. In anything,
you
> >have to be good at something to be sucessful. What are we good at? You
can't
> >be a finesse team but then play the slowdown game. So let's get rid of
> Walker
> >for a knockem and sockem power forward who will fit the gameplan...
> >
> >DJessen33
> >
> >
>
>